Fr. Michael Lambakis Appointed Interim HCHC President

The Board of Trustees of Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology, under the direction and spiritual guidance of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, convened virtually (due to snowstorm blanketing the northeastern United States) for its first meeting of 2026. His Eminence and Board, upon receiving the resignation of HCHC President Dr. Demetrios S. Katos, voted immediately to appoint Reverend Protopresbyter Michael Lambakis as Interim President.

Fr. Lambakis, who is currently Dean of Students, graduated from Hellenic College in 2003 and then from Holy Cross in 2006. He served Annunciation Cathedral in Houston, TX for nearly 20 years as its Dean and was an assistant in the parish prior to that. Fr. Michael is married to Presbytera Renee Constantinou and, together, they have two adult children studying at the school (Andrew at Holy Cross; Nicholas at Hellenic College).

“I wish to express my gratitude and convey the deep appreciation of the Board of Trustees and the entire Archdiocese to Fr. Lambakis for again answering the call to serve our beloved school,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros. “He did so last year when he consented to become Dean of Students and, by God’s grace, again today in embracing the role of Interim President. He will guide the school in faith and with love.”

The Board has established a Presidential Search Committee, co-chaired by Trustees George C. Demos, Esq and Dr. Christine Zeppos, to conduct a comprehensive national search. Additional members of the committee will include two other trustees and one faculty member from each school, selected by their respective faculties.The Committee will work diligently and prayerfully to identify the next President who will build upon HCHC’s renewed strength and advance its mission in the years ahead.

Effective March 1, Dr. Katos will step down as president, a decision he shared with Archbishop Elpidophoros earlier this month. He plans to take a sabbatical and then return to teaching during the 2026-27 academic year, beginning in the spring semester.

Said Archbishop Elpidophoros, “Demetrios’ leadership was catalytic at a pivotal time. He strengthened Board formation, recruited committed Trustees, improved the institution’s finances, positioned the institution for a landmark land transaction, and facilitated a multi-year strategic plan — all with diligence and integrity. We are grateful for his leadership in bringing HCHC to this point of renewed stability and momentum.”

The Board of Trustees expressed gratitude for Dr. Katos’ dedicated service and affirmed its commitment to advancing the mission of Hellenic College Holy Cross in the years ahead.